as in winter
a period of often involuntary inactivity or idleness we need to take a time-out from our relationship to think things over

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of time-out Later flights and those from smaller airports are more susceptible to crew time-out issues. Zach Wichter, USA Today, 1 May 2025 The Lakers were up by one again, with just three seconds left, and the Bulls had no time-outs. Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2025 For instance, time-out reminders, focus modes and little nudges to take breaks can make a difference. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 The Texas Tech student, who sunk a 94-foot putt during a commercial time-out at the Tech-Houston basketball game on Monday and then chest-bumped the three-time Super Bowl MVP, tried to recreate his masterful moment while on the Today show on Thursday, Feb. 27. Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for time-out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for time-out
Noun
  • Despite its latitude, winters are milder than expected, averaging 39°F (4°C) from December to February.
    Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • In late winter to early spring, carpenter ants swarm to mate and start new colonies.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Aaron Nola is out until at least after the All-Star break; the earliest he can be activated is July 18.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • Raleigh, 28, hit two home runs, his 28th and 29th of the season, and broke Bench’s record for most home runs for a catcher before the All-Star break.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • On the other hand, passion for work was shown to be positively related to engaging in mastery and control experiences during downtime.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Produced by Omar El Kadi) After break-up, Assia seeks downtime with her family which has just opened a restaurant in Spain.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • This buying lull echoes across the state and nation.
    Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 18 June 2025
  • Typical of fishing while anchored, there were occasional spurts of action followed by lulls.
    Brad Dokken, Twin Cities, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • His ability to go both ways prompts a moment of pause from Fulham defender Calvin Bassey, and Mbeumo takes the ball onto his weaker right foot and scores across goal.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • Thrillers work well on TV because episodic television has cliffhangers and pauses built into its structure that actually escalate or elevate the mystery component of a story.
    Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • The Accenture team did not explore whether resilience was achievable through contingent or gig workforces that could reduce the boom-bust cycles and demoralizing effects of layoffs.
    Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • In March, more than a fifth of the employees at the Chicago Sun-Times took a buyout, including 23 reporters and editors, heading off potential layoffs in a sweeping cost-cutting initiative by nonprofit owner Chicago Public Media.
    Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Time-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/time-out. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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